Man jailed for abusing girls in Fallin

A man has been jailed for historical sexual abuse against two girls in Fallin.

John Barr, who is now 67-years-old, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the attacks, which took place between October 1983 and October 1991.

One of the girls was aged between six and 15 when she was sexually assaulted – while the other girl was aged between 13 and 18.

One of the women contacted the police in November 2017, with information about the abuse.

An investigation followed, with a previous case from 2003 relating to the other woman being re-opened.

Barr was charged in March 2018 – and was found guilty in Edinburgh earlier this year.

John Barr was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court

Detective Constable David Brown from Forth Valley’s Divisional Rape Investigation Unit said, “For almost a decade, John Barr preyed on two young girls and committed horrific sexual offences against the pair.

“Had it not been for their bravery in coming forward his crimes could have gone un-punished.

“Now, however, he will serve a custodial sentence and I wish to thank both women for their continued support of their the police investigation.

“It is my sincere hope that both can now put their respective ordeals behind them and move on with their lives.

“We are committed to bringing all perpetrators for sexual abuse to justice and time is no barrier for our inquiries.

“We would urge anyone who wishes to report sexual crime, regardless of when it occurred, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”